Treating alcohol use disorders in elderly populations: a review of the evidence

The number of people aged 65 years or more is increasing worldwide. Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are a common condition in the older population, and this combined with the changing age demographic in the population means that AUD in this population is a significant public health concern. AUD has a major impact upon the physical, psychological and social health of the older population. There is evidence that older people do benefit from interventions to reduce alcohol consumption as much as, if not more than, younger populations. There is evidence that AUD in the older population often goes undetected and the potential for beneficial behavioural health change is not realized.